Beneath the Waves

Plan

Chris pulled Ria out of the water. She was unconscious, bruises blooming on her neck where Chris had choked her. How the hell were they going to explain that away? Chris was freaking out. She didn't know CPR how the fuck was she supposed to bring Ria back to consciousness? She tried shaking her shoulders but that didn't work, she knew Ria didn't swallow any water because they were above water by the time she had passed out and she spoke too.

Chris checked her body and she seemed to be healed, but she knew that it probably still hurt from all the cuts they made. It was during this thought that Ria started to regain consciousness. She opened her eyes slowly, struggling to focus on Chris. Chris smiled down at her.

"Ria, you're okay! I'm so sorry, I really tried to take control but... i don't know, the other me was just too strong" she rambled

"Chris..." Ria's voice was hoarse, "slow down... it's okay... I... could see you trying..."

"I'm still sorry, I hurt you" she whispered "are you in a lot of pain?"

"Nah I'm great", she said trying to sit up

Chris immediately jumped in to help her. She was covered in dirt. No blood this time. Chris helped her up and together they got back into the water, freezing cold, but bracing. They washed the dirt off of each other and kissed in the moonlight. Chris traced a finger over where the cuts had been, still amazed at how quickly Ria could heal. Her skin rose in goosebumps under Chris' finger signaling it was time to get out and dry off. Chris helped Ria get dressed first before getting dressed herself. Ria seemed exhausted after everything. Chris was sure that being choked on top of it all didn't help. Lighting a fire, they sat down next to it to warm up. Legs touching. Fingers entwined.

Ria's head resting on Chris' shoulder she said quietly "Why did you stop me?"

"I don't know. I was running into the woods to get away from you when I realized I didn't want you to give all of this up just for me"

"But... but what about the Chayal"

"I don't know... I mean... there were moments where I was in control, so somehow there has to be a way for me to gain full control. Sort of marry the two slides of me and make them become one. If I can do that then we could exist like this, together."

"Are you sure? It's not too late for me to perform the ritual again..."

"No... I'm sure... somehow this has to work out. We can figure this out. I think I need to find a way to bring you to the dungeon. I also really would like to bury Amma. I haven't been back down there or really thought about it since it happened, but she was good to me and I want to give her a proper burial"

"Okay... I want to do that with you"

"For now let's try to get some rest" said Chris, kissing Ria's hair

They got up, extinguished the fire and got into bed. Even after the events of the night both of them drifted off quickly. A sleep unplagued by dreams. They snuggled closer together and in that moment, nothing else mattered.

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The next morning brought a new beginning. Things felt different. Like a type of acceptance had happened the night before. They both not only accepted themselves as they were, but also each other. They woke up with a peace over them that they hadn't felt since this whole thing began. Though they had a long way to go, and the road ahead was going to be hard, at least they had each other and didn't have to go it alone.

Ria turned over and looked Chris in the eyes. Resting her hand on Chris' cheek, thumb tracing her cheekbone she kissed her. She pulled back to look at Chris.